~~Close Encounters of the AJ Kind~~
Admiral's Office
0755 local (three weeks later, Thursday)
The trial was finished in little over two weeks, but the acrimony between the partners wore on like the cold, damp weather that held the city captive for most of autumn. AJ had hoped once the trial was over, Harm and Mac would get back to some semblance of a friendship, like it used to be. "Not this time", AJ sighed quietly.
Thankfully for the JAG staff, Harm and Mac's next assignment did not involve either one sitting on the bench. AJ didn't have to put much thought into that one. What he believed would be an excellent opportunity for Mac to serve as judge, turned into an old-fashioned out-for-blood Redskins-Cowboys game, playoff spot on the line. He thought Harm would have behaved better under the circumstances. Who was he trying to kid, ever since he "severed" him as defense council for PO Moritz, Harm took everything personally.
Now, AJ was second-guessing the recent assignment he had given them. It was a simple case involving a Petty Officer charged with an Article 87. PO Douglas was scheduled to depart on the Iwo Jima, but having spent the previous night trying to "convince" his girlfriend to marry him, he overslept, missing the ship's movement. It was a simple enough assignment. Harm was trial counsel, Mac defense. They could have settled. In fact, Mac said her client was open to any and all possibilities. Harm, on the other hand, had a point to prove and refused to discuss any settlement, bringing their disagreement into the court-room-Judge Sebring's court-room.
AJ now sat in the solitude of his office with letter in hand from Sebring, outlining "conduct unbecoming" and "contempt" charges against both of them. He knew it would come to this, but how to handle it delicately was another story. The letter was preceded by a phone call from the judge yesterday, alerting him to the situation and the forthcoming formal letter. AJ had worked his magic and managed to persuade Sebring to allow him to handle the matter personally rather than make a public affair out of the whole issue. Sebring withdrew the charges, agreeing with AJ's recommendation that the two receive professional counseling on keeping their personal differences outside the court-room.
Tossing the paper on the desk, AJ stood up and paced the office. He had warned them to keep things down to a dull roar, but yet again, their emotions took control and they were at each others throats in the court-room during pre-trial motions-PRE-TRIAL motions, nonetheless! AJ was exasperated and embarrassed. But, having had some time to mull the situation over, he was more calm and rational at this point. These were two of his finest officers, his best lawyers, yet they were "family" to him as well. So he chose to deal with them as family, rather than discipline them as officers.
Tiner had announced Rabb and Mackenzie 10 minutes ago, however, AJ wanted a few extra minutes to gather his thoughts and put them in a rational state of mind-a state that took him 14 hours to get to. Damn them for bringing this into the office, he thought. He wished they'd get their act together and resolve this anywhere but here. Hell, I'd let them have the office if I knew that would help, he thought briefly before dismissing it entirely from his mind.
AJ recalled his conversation with Meredith after the little incident at Bud and Harriet's. He had known there was unmistakable electricity between the two for some time now, although it took him a while to see it. Meredith, on the other hand, noticed it almost immediately. She said that all of the passion they're displaying was coming from a non-work related source and as soon as they realize that they'll work it out. He jokingly said they were candidates for couple's therapy. How was he to know that his perceptions were right on the mark?
A while back, he and Meredith had had dinner with another couple. The woman was an old college friend of hers, who just so happened to be a psychologist experienced in counseling couples. AJ smirked remembering the evening. He knew Meredith had had ulterior motives for it, she usually did. For as much as there was a quirkiness about her, she was quite intelligent and perceptive. And her friend, Maddie, who he had his "concerns" about, turned out to be a delightful, intuitive woman. He was quite thankful when Maddie said she didn't like to discuss cases or analyze people outside the office.
He took her business card, just in case. He never thought he'd have to call her so soon-for Harm and Mac, nonetheless! He gave her very little information when he spoke to her, saying he was doing this for two friends. It was an intervention, of sorts. He was relieved when she understood the delicacy of the situation and left it at that. Now, it was up to him to get Harm and Mac to understand the need to do this.
Deciding he was composed, he asked Tiner to send them in. Mac entered the office first, followed by Harm, as Tiner swiftly closed the hatch. Tiner silently wished he could be a fly on the wall, but he knew that the less witnesses, the better. He gathered a handful of files from his desk and headed off in the safe direction of the copier.
Their expressionless faces hid the real story quite well. They snapped to attention upon entering the room. AJ gave his usual "as you were" and motioned for them to sit. He moved to his place behind the desk and seated himself comfortably. This may take a while, he thought, putting on his reading glasses and retrieving the letter from its place on the spotless desk.
Both officers were motionless as they watched AJ peruse the letter, most likely for his 20th time. Neither was sure where this would leave their careers, let alone their personal lives.
AJ drew a breath and, rather than read the now-dropped charges, said calmly, "I gather you know why I've called you both here."
Harm attempted to speak, but with a wave of the Admiral's hand was silenced without even another breath; his eyes fixed forward, not daring to meet AJ's gaze.
In a calm, matter-of-fact voice, AJ continued, "First issue on the agenda, Lieutenant Commander Manetti and Commander Turner will be replacing you as trial counsel and defense counsel respectively. You will turn over your case files immediately upon conclusion of this meeting. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir," they responded in unison. That was the first they managed to accomplish together in nearly 3 weeks.
"Secondly, Judge Sebring has dropped the charges of conduct unbecoming and contempt in exchange for a resolution that I will address shortly."
Harm and Mac jointly sighed, both inwardly grateful for the eleventh-hour leniency offered by Judge Sebring.
"Lastly", AJ continued, "Since both of you have almost 60 days leave on the books, effective immediately, I am placing you both on 30 days leave."
"Sir, if I may . . . . ." Mac asked tentatively, "why are we placed on leave if the charges have been dropped?"
"I'm getting to that, Colonel," AJ said, the tone of his voice rising slightly in annoyance. He removed his glasses and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes in an attempt to quell an impending headache the aspirin he took earlier didn't chase away. Despite the throbbing in his temples, AJ struggled to keep his cool, "Please allow me to finish what I have to say before commenting; is that understood?" Why in the hell are they so thick-skulled, he asked himself, repressing the urge to rip them apart.
"Yes, sir," was the response, again in unison.
The Admiral rose from his seat and walked around the desk, choosing to sit on its corner casually. He resembled more of a father about to chastise his belligerent teenagers than that of an Admiral infuriated by his officers.
"I am recommending, and Judge Sebring concurs, that you attend counseling to deal with your personal issues," AJ began, until Harm interrupted him with a muttered "Unbelievable" that the Admiral picked up instantly.
"Do you have something to add, Commander?" the irritation in AJ's voice apparent as he stood up in front of Harm.
"No, Sir," Harm replied. Damn, he can probably hear what goes on at the guard shack too, he thought as he avoided looking anywhere but straight ahead.
"Good." AJ hated reproaching them, but it was a necessary evil. He continued, "The counseling is for both of you-together."
Both had confused looks on their face, but neither spoke nor glanced at the other; if either of them had anything to say, it was certainly lost in the deafening silence of the office.
"Look. Harm, Mac, you know I can't force you to do this."
Harm was fidgeting a little, trying very hard not to comment. His biggest problem besides the lack of a filter between the brain and the mouth, was understanding the rules of engagement where his mouth was concerned. Harm began, yet again, to question the Admiral's motives, "But, Sir . . . surely there must be another alternative."
"ALTERNATIVE? You want an alternative?" AJ bellowed. His face was red-hot angry, neck veins bulging. The thread that held his patience together had just snapped.
"I'll give you an alternative. How about writing wills or reviewing junior enlisted lease problems for the rest of your career? Better yet, let's take a look at the conduct unbecoming and contempt charges!" AJ's voice was echoing off the walls of the office.
Mac watched as Harm cringed, filing the incident under 'How to avoid getting the Admiral pissed off'. She sat there still and quiet during AJ's tirade, thanking God for the ability to know when and how to keep her mouth shut.
Regrouping, AJ straightened his uniform and walked back around the desk. Maybe 30 days isn't enough for me, he thought, rubbing the back of his neck. He made a mental note to take tomorrow off. "Dammit, I think I've earned it after today," he mumbled out of Harm and Mac's earshot.
AJ turned to face them, the color in his face returning to normal, although irritation was still apparent in his voice, "As I was saying, I believe you two might benefit from some professional help. There has been an unmistakable hostility between you two the past few weeks. If it were the War Games trial alone, I'd dismiss it. But it seems to be a culmination of many factors that I'd rather not pursue personally."
"Sir?" Mac spoke tentatively, not wanting to push any more buttons. AJ nodded for her to continue. "So you are suggesting that we attend counseling?" quite sure she knew the answer to the question.
"Yes, Mac, I am. I think it is the only way we can resolve these . . . issues. I am not just suggesting it, I am requiring it."
Yet again, Harm started to speak. AJ, reading his mind, said in a loud, commanding voice that had become the tone for this meeting "And, either one of you transferring out is without a doubt NOT an option. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, sir," was the immediate reply, neither obviously not wanting to agitate the Admiral further with any other stray comments.
"Rather than have you both see a military psychologist, which I'm sure you'd also prefer to avoid, I am sending you to a psychologist in Alexandria. She is an acquaintance of Meredith's from college, who comes highly recommended. Before you say anything about this selection, I would like to advise you that I checked her references out on my own and feel that she is a more than suitable choice for this matter. Since your calendars are cleared, I took the liberty of scheduling an appointment for both of you this Saturday at 1400 hours." AJ handed them both a card with a name and address on it.
Eyeing the card, Mac responded the only way she could, "Yes, sir". Harm, on the other hand said, "I can't believe . . . . ." before AJ silenced him with a look that could strip paint from the walls. Regaining his composure, Harm replied, "Yes, sir," as well, knowing that any more discussion on the subject would be dropped. He pocketed the card with a sigh.
AJ sat down, saying firmly, "Since I have nothing more, you are both dismissed."
The officers stood immediately and said, "Aye, Aye". Turning on their heels, they exited the office, Mac first. By now, Tiner was back at his desk. He breathed a sigh of relief seeing them leave. At least there wasn't any blood shed, he thought.
"Tiner!" AJ shouted, "Where's the damn aspirin?" The young PO nearly jumped clear out of his skin.
Mac paused in the hallway, wanting to say something to Harm about their situation. She knew they had no choice, but wanted to tell him she was relieved that they were actually doing something to resolve matters.
"Mac, don't start," was all he said, walking by her in huff, eager to grab his belongings and leave. Anywhere is better than here, he thought.
Mac was hurt. She truly hoped that the Admiral knew what he was doing, otherwise there would be a transfer in their future-hers. She returned to her office to lock the drawers of her desk and get her briefcase and cover. Once done, she pulled the door closed behind her softly.
The entire JAG ops was quiet, having heard only the bits and pieces of the Admiral's diatribes that shook the windows. Everyone's eyes were on their work. They saw Harm leave abruptly, now it was Mac's turn. Watching her leave, Harriet longed to ask what transpired in the Admiral's office but thought it was best to let it alone.
Admiral's Office
0755 local (three weeks later, Thursday)
The trial was finished in little over two weeks, but the acrimony between the partners wore on like the cold, damp weather that held the city captive for most of autumn. AJ had hoped once the trial was over, Harm and Mac would get back to some semblance of a friendship, like it used to be. "Not this time", AJ sighed quietly.
Thankfully for the JAG staff, Harm and Mac's next assignment did not involve either one sitting on the bench. AJ didn't have to put much thought into that one. What he believed would be an excellent opportunity for Mac to serve as judge, turned into an old-fashioned out-for-blood Redskins-Cowboys game, playoff spot on the line. He thought Harm would have behaved better under the circumstances. Who was he trying to kid, ever since he "severed" him as defense council for PO Moritz, Harm took everything personally.
Now, AJ was second-guessing the recent assignment he had given them. It was a simple case involving a Petty Officer charged with an Article 87. PO Douglas was scheduled to depart on the Iwo Jima, but having spent the previous night trying to "convince" his girlfriend to marry him, he overslept, missing the ship's movement. It was a simple enough assignment. Harm was trial counsel, Mac defense. They could have settled. In fact, Mac said her client was open to any and all possibilities. Harm, on the other hand, had a point to prove and refused to discuss any settlement, bringing their disagreement into the court-room-Judge Sebring's court-room.
AJ now sat in the solitude of his office with letter in hand from Sebring, outlining "conduct unbecoming" and "contempt" charges against both of them. He knew it would come to this, but how to handle it delicately was another story. The letter was preceded by a phone call from the judge yesterday, alerting him to the situation and the forthcoming formal letter. AJ had worked his magic and managed to persuade Sebring to allow him to handle the matter personally rather than make a public affair out of the whole issue. Sebring withdrew the charges, agreeing with AJ's recommendation that the two receive professional counseling on keeping their personal differences outside the court-room.
Tossing the paper on the desk, AJ stood up and paced the office. He had warned them to keep things down to a dull roar, but yet again, their emotions took control and they were at each others throats in the court-room during pre-trial motions-PRE-TRIAL motions, nonetheless! AJ was exasperated and embarrassed. But, having had some time to mull the situation over, he was more calm and rational at this point. These were two of his finest officers, his best lawyers, yet they were "family" to him as well. So he chose to deal with them as family, rather than discipline them as officers.
Tiner had announced Rabb and Mackenzie 10 minutes ago, however, AJ wanted a few extra minutes to gather his thoughts and put them in a rational state of mind-a state that took him 14 hours to get to. Damn them for bringing this into the office, he thought. He wished they'd get their act together and resolve this anywhere but here. Hell, I'd let them have the office if I knew that would help, he thought briefly before dismissing it entirely from his mind.
AJ recalled his conversation with Meredith after the little incident at Bud and Harriet's. He had known there was unmistakable electricity between the two for some time now, although it took him a while to see it. Meredith, on the other hand, noticed it almost immediately. She said that all of the passion they're displaying was coming from a non-work related source and as soon as they realize that they'll work it out. He jokingly said they were candidates for couple's therapy. How was he to know that his perceptions were right on the mark?
A while back, he and Meredith had had dinner with another couple. The woman was an old college friend of hers, who just so happened to be a psychologist experienced in counseling couples. AJ smirked remembering the evening. He knew Meredith had had ulterior motives for it, she usually did. For as much as there was a quirkiness about her, she was quite intelligent and perceptive. And her friend, Maddie, who he had his "concerns" about, turned out to be a delightful, intuitive woman. He was quite thankful when Maddie said she didn't like to discuss cases or analyze people outside the office.
He took her business card, just in case. He never thought he'd have to call her so soon-for Harm and Mac, nonetheless! He gave her very little information when he spoke to her, saying he was doing this for two friends. It was an intervention, of sorts. He was relieved when she understood the delicacy of the situation and left it at that. Now, it was up to him to get Harm and Mac to understand the need to do this.
Deciding he was composed, he asked Tiner to send them in. Mac entered the office first, followed by Harm, as Tiner swiftly closed the hatch. Tiner silently wished he could be a fly on the wall, but he knew that the less witnesses, the better. He gathered a handful of files from his desk and headed off in the safe direction of the copier.
Their expressionless faces hid the real story quite well. They snapped to attention upon entering the room. AJ gave his usual "as you were" and motioned for them to sit. He moved to his place behind the desk and seated himself comfortably. This may take a while, he thought, putting on his reading glasses and retrieving the letter from its place on the spotless desk.
Both officers were motionless as they watched AJ peruse the letter, most likely for his 20th time. Neither was sure where this would leave their careers, let alone their personal lives.
AJ drew a breath and, rather than read the now-dropped charges, said calmly, "I gather you know why I've called you both here."
Harm attempted to speak, but with a wave of the Admiral's hand was silenced without even another breath; his eyes fixed forward, not daring to meet AJ's gaze.
In a calm, matter-of-fact voice, AJ continued, "First issue on the agenda, Lieutenant Commander Manetti and Commander Turner will be replacing you as trial counsel and defense counsel respectively. You will turn over your case files immediately upon conclusion of this meeting. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir," they responded in unison. That was the first they managed to accomplish together in nearly 3 weeks.
"Secondly, Judge Sebring has dropped the charges of conduct unbecoming and contempt in exchange for a resolution that I will address shortly."
Harm and Mac jointly sighed, both inwardly grateful for the eleventh-hour leniency offered by Judge Sebring.
"Lastly", AJ continued, "Since both of you have almost 60 days leave on the books, effective immediately, I am placing you both on 30 days leave."
"Sir, if I may . . . . ." Mac asked tentatively, "why are we placed on leave if the charges have been dropped?"
"I'm getting to that, Colonel," AJ said, the tone of his voice rising slightly in annoyance. He removed his glasses and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes in an attempt to quell an impending headache the aspirin he took earlier didn't chase away. Despite the throbbing in his temples, AJ struggled to keep his cool, "Please allow me to finish what I have to say before commenting; is that understood?" Why in the hell are they so thick-skulled, he asked himself, repressing the urge to rip them apart.
"Yes, sir," was the response, again in unison.
The Admiral rose from his seat and walked around the desk, choosing to sit on its corner casually. He resembled more of a father about to chastise his belligerent teenagers than that of an Admiral infuriated by his officers.
"I am recommending, and Judge Sebring concurs, that you attend counseling to deal with your personal issues," AJ began, until Harm interrupted him with a muttered "Unbelievable" that the Admiral picked up instantly.
"Do you have something to add, Commander?" the irritation in AJ's voice apparent as he stood up in front of Harm.
"No, Sir," Harm replied. Damn, he can probably hear what goes on at the guard shack too, he thought as he avoided looking anywhere but straight ahead.
"Good." AJ hated reproaching them, but it was a necessary evil. He continued, "The counseling is for both of you-together."
Both had confused looks on their face, but neither spoke nor glanced at the other; if either of them had anything to say, it was certainly lost in the deafening silence of the office.
"Look. Harm, Mac, you know I can't force you to do this."
Harm was fidgeting a little, trying very hard not to comment. His biggest problem besides the lack of a filter between the brain and the mouth, was understanding the rules of engagement where his mouth was concerned. Harm began, yet again, to question the Admiral's motives, "But, Sir . . . surely there must be another alternative."
"ALTERNATIVE? You want an alternative?" AJ bellowed. His face was red-hot angry, neck veins bulging. The thread that held his patience together had just snapped.
"I'll give you an alternative. How about writing wills or reviewing junior enlisted lease problems for the rest of your career? Better yet, let's take a look at the conduct unbecoming and contempt charges!" AJ's voice was echoing off the walls of the office.
Mac watched as Harm cringed, filing the incident under 'How to avoid getting the Admiral pissed off'. She sat there still and quiet during AJ's tirade, thanking God for the ability to know when and how to keep her mouth shut.
Regrouping, AJ straightened his uniform and walked back around the desk. Maybe 30 days isn't enough for me, he thought, rubbing the back of his neck. He made a mental note to take tomorrow off. "Dammit, I think I've earned it after today," he mumbled out of Harm and Mac's earshot.
AJ turned to face them, the color in his face returning to normal, although irritation was still apparent in his voice, "As I was saying, I believe you two might benefit from some professional help. There has been an unmistakable hostility between you two the past few weeks. If it were the War Games trial alone, I'd dismiss it. But it seems to be a culmination of many factors that I'd rather not pursue personally."
"Sir?" Mac spoke tentatively, not wanting to push any more buttons. AJ nodded for her to continue. "So you are suggesting that we attend counseling?" quite sure she knew the answer to the question.
"Yes, Mac, I am. I think it is the only way we can resolve these . . . issues. I am not just suggesting it, I am requiring it."
Yet again, Harm started to speak. AJ, reading his mind, said in a loud, commanding voice that had become the tone for this meeting "And, either one of you transferring out is without a doubt NOT an option. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, sir," was the immediate reply, neither obviously not wanting to agitate the Admiral further with any other stray comments.
"Rather than have you both see a military psychologist, which I'm sure you'd also prefer to avoid, I am sending you to a psychologist in Alexandria. She is an acquaintance of Meredith's from college, who comes highly recommended. Before you say anything about this selection, I would like to advise you that I checked her references out on my own and feel that she is a more than suitable choice for this matter. Since your calendars are cleared, I took the liberty of scheduling an appointment for both of you this Saturday at 1400 hours." AJ handed them both a card with a name and address on it.
Eyeing the card, Mac responded the only way she could, "Yes, sir". Harm, on the other hand said, "I can't believe . . . . ." before AJ silenced him with a look that could strip paint from the walls. Regaining his composure, Harm replied, "Yes, sir," as well, knowing that any more discussion on the subject would be dropped. He pocketed the card with a sigh.
AJ sat down, saying firmly, "Since I have nothing more, you are both dismissed."
The officers stood immediately and said, "Aye, Aye". Turning on their heels, they exited the office, Mac first. By now, Tiner was back at his desk. He breathed a sigh of relief seeing them leave. At least there wasn't any blood shed, he thought.
"Tiner!" AJ shouted, "Where's the damn aspirin?" The young PO nearly jumped clear out of his skin.
Mac paused in the hallway, wanting to say something to Harm about their situation. She knew they had no choice, but wanted to tell him she was relieved that they were actually doing something to resolve matters.
"Mac, don't start," was all he said, walking by her in huff, eager to grab his belongings and leave. Anywhere is better than here, he thought.
Mac was hurt. She truly hoped that the Admiral knew what he was doing, otherwise there would be a transfer in their future-hers. She returned to her office to lock the drawers of her desk and get her briefcase and cover. Once done, she pulled the door closed behind her softly.
The entire JAG ops was quiet, having heard only the bits and pieces of the Admiral's diatribes that shook the windows. Everyone's eyes were on their work. They saw Harm leave abruptly, now it was Mac's turn. Watching her leave, Harriet longed to ask what transpired in the Admiral's office but thought it was best to let it alone.